Manchester City will entertain Real Madrid at the Etihad on Wednesday night for the first leg of the UEFA champions league semi-final.
Los Blancos will enter the first leg on a six-game winning streak away from home across all competitions – scoring three goals in each of their last three on rival turf. On the contrary, the Sky Blues have won the past three games after losing to Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Manchester City Vs Real Madrid: Talking Tactics
Pep Guardiola will set his team up in a 4-3-3 formation and ask his players to keep maximum possession of the ball and facilitate the attack with enough clear cut chances to win the first leg against Los Blancos.
Carlo Ancelloti will probably opt for a 4-3-3 formation and could instruct his men to dominate the ball and try to capitalize on the counter.
Team News
Manchester City
Kyle Walker, who twisted his ankle in the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid last week, will return but John Stones remains doubtful, battling a muscular injury to make himself available.
Manchester City Predicted XI
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Zinchenko; Silva, Rodri, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Sterling, Foden
Real Madrid
After picking up a thigh issue, David Alaba remains doubtful to start in the semi-final clash. Although Madrid have no concerns over suspensions, Ancelloti’s men instead have injuries mounting over with the likes of Casemiro, Eden Hazard, Ferland Mendy, and Gareth Bale all set to miss out the next fixtures.
Real Madrid Predicted XI
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Camavinga, Modric; Valverde, Benzema, Vinicius Junior
Key Men
Manchester City
The Sky Blues will rely on the creativity of Mahrez, Jesus and Sterling as they look to collectively produce a winning performance in the midweek.
De Bryune will be tasked with creating chances for the attacking trio, whereas Ederson will be expected to make some solid stops at the back.
Real Madrid
Courtois will have to give a strong performance at the back if Madrid are to keep a clean sheet in this game. Benzema will carry the goal-scoring responsibility along with Vinicius Junior.
Kroos and Modric will be tasked with distributing the ball efficiently and creating chances for the men upfront.
